The fourth-most popular search in Google for “Acoustic Guitars” is for Free Acoustic Guitar Lessons. I understand the motivation – people want acoustic guitar lessons, for free. But, don’t you almost always get what you pay for?

I had Free Acoustic Guitar Lessons, and when I get together with by guitar playing buds who paid for their lessons, it’s pretty clear that I got what I paid for. I taught myself, which is the free-est kind of free there is. And, I am here to tell you that there are things about playing guitar – sometimes little, sometimes not – that you don’t get from books or software or internet sites.

Of course, I’ve picked up things from my friends, and eventually, I’ll be where they are today. They’ll be that much further ahead as well, but my goal is not to be better than anyone, but just to be able to pick up and play when we get together without feeling like an amateur.

My point about Free Acoustic Guitar Lessons is that, if it is at all possible, you should invest in yourself (or your kids) and pay for some decent lessons – at least while you are starting out. I wish I’d done so – I think much of what I struggle with would come more naturally, and that I would be more confident in my ability.

This is where I should be giving recommendations, but I have none. I’d check out the board at your local music shop or Mega-Music store. There are lots of folks out there willing to share their guitar knowledge with you. But, keep in mind that it took them years of hard work and practice to be able to play effortlessly. If this is something you value, then you might consider compensating the person for their time and knowledge. It’s just the right thing to do.

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